Oksman, Kristiina

Abstract [en]

Currently, the use of bio-based nanomaterials as reinforcements has attracted much interest especially in medical applications due to their cytocompatibility, good mechanical performance, good moisture stability, hydrophilicity and ability to form porous structure. In tissue engineering, development of materials, which positively interact with tissues, is very important. In this regard, hydrogels composed of three-dimensional polymeric networks, have become more attractive materials due to their ability to absorb high water content and swell without losing their structural integrity. Moreover, hydrogels need to provide physico-mechanical support for cell growth, proliferation and new tissue formation. However, their low mechanical properties have found one drawback. We attempted a novel technology to design double crosslinked interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) of nanocellulose-based hydrogels of sodium alginate and gelatin with potential use in soft tissue engineering. Advanced, innovative fully bio-based porous IPN scaffolds have been prepared via freeze-drying and crosslinked using calcium chloride and genipin. Highly porous structure, which is considered beneficial for cells attachment and extracellular matrix (ECM) production was obtained. The addition of nanocellulose and crosslinking decreased the moisture uptake while increased the compression modulus. The study showed the potential use of these hydrogels based on nanocellulose in cartilage application.Key words: IPN hydrogel, nanocellulose, porous structure, mechanical performances, cytocompatibility, soft tissue engineering